“When our son Frank [then Lt. Col. Frank Sajer] came home alive from Iraq, Gen. Sajer and I looked at each other at Thanksgiving and said, ‘We need to do something for our wounded soldiers and their families,’¤” Helen recalled.

They started out in a simple way, driving to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (near Washington, D.C.) to visit with wounded soldiers, including many amputees, and their families. Recovering soldiers explained that they had surgeries, physical therapy and doctor and nurse visits all week, but “come Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’re just looking at each other.”

The Sajers began bringing wounded soldiers and their families for weekend trips to their farm in northern Adams County. Helen recalls the first families that came and how one soldier, heavily medicated for depression, slept all afternoon. In the mornings, he would stroll the farm with his kids.

At the end of the weekend, the soldier told her, “This is the most relaxed we’ve been since we came back from Iraq.”

Through the years, the Sajers continued to bring veterans to their farm. A nurse, Helen is able to provide special care and cater to dietary restrictions. As friends and neighbors learned what was going on, they donated food, transportation and recreation.

“There was one double amputee,” Randy remembered, “When I got him out, I said ‘all you need is the desire.’ He did it, and he told me ‘Randy, that’s the first time I wanted to jump out of this chair. My mind was off of everything.’¤”

As word spread, PA Wounded Warriors started working with the VA Hospital in Lebanon and getting calls about other veteran needs. They heard about a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder. He was on disability. The family had three kids, and his wife worked nights as a waitress, but it was not enough. They lost their house. PA Wounded Warriors stepped in to help with the rent until things stabilized.

In another case, a wife was traveling from the family’s Halifax home to visit her husband at the Fort Belvoir (Va.) Community Hospital. Gas bills were unaffordable when prices spiked. PA Wounded Warriors provided gas cards.

“This is what we do. We get a call. It’s an emergency, and everybody knows PA Wounded Warriors will respond within 24 hours,” Helen said. They don’t give money directly to soldiers, but they will help with gift cards or to pay certain critical bills.

Readers have probably heard of the Wounded Warriors Project. Helen views the groups as distinct, but complementary. That organization helps when soldiers are first injured. PA Wounded Warriors focuses on the long recovery process.

PA Wounded Warriors is a true grassroots effort. All “staff” are volunteers. Organizations as diverse as the Camp Hill Woman’s Club, Girl Scouts troops and AFSCME retirees raise money. Last year, Marie Urich of Warrington Twp. did a big Christmas lights display and asked for donations.

“So many people want to do something, but they don’t know what to do,” Helen said, recalling when she spoke at a local AARP retirees group and a woman came up afterward and offered $5 and asked for $4 in change. It was clear the woman didn’t have the money to donate, but she did.

When I spoke with Helen this week, she was about to take dinner to a sick friend. Caring for others is what makes her tick. I looked her up in The Patriot-News archives and up pops an article from 1990 when several guard soldiers were having trouble with their finances. It was Helen Sajer who arranged for advisers to meet with soldiers.

“Once she sets her mind on doing something, she’s going to stay with it until she gets finished,” Randy said. “Lord only knows how many trips to Walter Reed she’s made. She knows every bump in the road.”

Shortly before he passed away last year, Gen. Sajer asked Helen if she was going to “march on” with PA Wounded Warriors. She answered, “I’m sure of it.”

While many of us put up flags and reflect on what our military has done for us this Memorial Day weekend, I also will think of the many strong military spouses such as Helen and their families who have been on the front lines as well. 

Heather Long is deputy editorial page editor. 717-255-8104 or hlong@patriot-news.com.